Obj. ID: 3644
Sacred and Ritual Objects  Torah pointer, Tunisia, mid-20th century

645493.DOC

The leaf-shaped Torah pointer consists of a bar and a pointer.

The bar is formed of an upper cylindrical handle, surmounting a lower flat leaf-shape, which tapers towards a clenched hand pointer.

The cylindrical handle is composed of elongated undulating units and round rings alternately. A round loop, through which a ring is inserted, tops its upper part.

The leaf-shape is topped by a round medallion set above a rectangular, concave unit. Its front face is inscribed with a dedicatory inscription, engraved in square filled letters oriented towards the pointer and reads:

" למנוחת כציר בר צגיירה לבית / ביתאן נ"ע (נוחו עדן) נדבת חומאני ביתאן ת.נ.צ.ב.ה (תהא נשמתו צרורה בצרור החיים)."

“For the repose of Katsir son of (Bar) Zĝaira of the Bitan family, may he rest in Eden. A donation (made by) Humani Bitan, May his soul be bound in the bond of life."

The back is decorated with a scrolling branch bearing leaves and clusters of grapes. The medallion encloses a Star of David.

The clenched hand pointer is set over a cuff and has an extended index finger slightly bent at its tip.